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Gutu North by-election (2-3 February, 2004)
Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN)
February 04, 2004

The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) observed the Gutu North Parliamentary by-election and noted that a generally calm atmosphere marked the polling days. The by-election was pitting ZANU PF’s Josiah Tungamirai and MDC’s Crispa Musoni. The seat fell vacant after the death of Vice President Simon Muzenda in September 2003.

One incident of violence was recorded at Jaravaza Primary School on the first day of polling where ZANU PF supporters beat up Sylvia Musekiwa, an MDC supporter.

At Munyaradzi Primary School Polling Station a lorry offloaded maize bought from the Grain Marketing Board by a ZANU PF local councillor. The maize was distributed on the first day of polling. ZESN deplores this action, which is tantamount to vote buying.

On the eve of day one of polling, a ZESN observer had his accreditation card confiscated by suspected ruling party supporters at Mushayavannu Polling Station. Police intervened and retrieved the card. ZESN noted with concern that some electoral officials and party representatives showed ignorance of the role of observers. There is need to educate electors on the roles of major electoral stakeholders, viz; the police, observers, monitors, and party agents.

Most observers were allowed entry into the polling stations but a number were delayed because their names were not on the list. This problem could have been avoided if the responsible Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs had invited observers in time. In addition, there should be adequate details like names, number and location of polling stations well in advance. The Electoral Supervisory Commission (ESC) can also help the situation by decentralising the accreditation process. However, the observers were allowed after the ESC intervened.

ZESN also observed that a joint mission of European Union and Norwegian diplomats were temporarily delayed entry into a polling station located at the District Administrator’s offices in Mupandawana. This is contrary to media reports quoting the ESC saying diplomats are free to visit polling stations as long as they show their diplomatic cards. We urge officers to acquaint themselves with all the electoral regulations and respect all accredited officials.

Equally worrying is the role of village heads in the election. At Gutu Mission ZESN supervisors had to advise the police to stop four headmen from recording names of voters. At Matizha Primary School Chief Serima wanted to organize people in queues by their villages but the Presiding Officer stopped him. The Presiding Officer also stopped the MDC from holding a meeting near the station.

ZESN commends the ESC and electoral officials for quickly responding to observers’ and voters’ queries.

At a few polling stations the radio communications system and ink detectors were not working, especially on the last day of polling. The high number of assisted voters, particularly in resettlement areas is equally worrying. ZESN is aware this is a rural constituency but the process, for example at Matizha Primary, was so systematic.

ZESN observed that most of those queuing to vote were elderly and the youth were missing. Some voters complained that voting during the week disturbed their work programmes and also disenfranchised registered voters working and living in urban areas. In some places parents were bitter that their children were denied their right to go to school because of the elections. Most schools were closed as they were used as polling stations. We noted that very few voters cast their vote on the second day of polling. We therefore propose that the number of polling stations be increased and the polling days be reduced from two to one day.

While ZESN commends electoral officers for managing this election better than previous ones, we reiterate our call for electoral reforms inorder to improve the electoral framework and environment consistent with international standards. We call for the establishment of an Independent Electoral Commission mandated with running and managing the whole electoral process for effective coordination of the whole process. We also call for electoral stakeholders including ESC and NGOs to embark on an intensive civic education programme in order to reduce the number of assisted voters.There is also need to raise awareness among the electorate especially the youth, on the importance of exercising their right to vote. Traditional leaders need to be specially targeted and be urged to desist from partisan politics and leave the role of running elections to the responsible officials.

Unlike in previous elections, there was no sloganeering or explicit campaigning at the polling stations. ZESN commends electoral officials and political parties, especially the two candidates in this election for exhibiting such an exemplary way of conducting elections. At one polling station the two candidates were observed amicably interacting. We urge all Zimbabweans to emulate the peaceful conduct of elections in view of the 2005 General elections.

Dr R. Matchaba-Hove
ZESN National Chairperson

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